Goal apparatus

ABSTRACT

A goal apparatus for soccer (football) and the like has a frame, a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member. The frame presents net connection points and is configured to support each of the pliable goal members in tension between two net connection points such that the goal apparatus presents a substantially rectangular goal mouth.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/615,334, filed Feb. 5, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,480,884, which is aContinuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/050,165,filed Oct. 9, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,162,127, which is a Continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/590,414, filed Aug. 21, 2012, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,579,737, which is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/599,845, filed Apr. 26, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.8,246,496, which is a §371 application of PCT International ApplicationNo. PCT/GB2008/050352, filed May 15, 2008, which claims priority toUnited Kingdom Patent Application No. 0709292.7 filed May 15, 2007. Eachof these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many sports such as football (soccer), hockey etc. utilize a structurehaving parallel posts and a crossbar to define a goal area. Suchstructures are usually permanent or semi-permanent fixtures and are madefrom steel or other heavy and cumbersome materials. However, there arealso portable goals that may be assembled on a field prior to use anddisassembled after use. In this manner, the field need not bepermanently devoted to use as a sports field. Portable goals areparticularly useful in training scenarios where it may be beneficial tohave a large number of goals to train with, which can then be dismantledafter use.

Portable goals known in the prior art often involve the use of tubularplastic materials to form the posts and cross bar which, whilerepresenting a saving on weight, are still very bulky when disassembledand therefore represent a significant problem with regard to carryingand storage.

It is an aim of aspects of the present invention to address the abovementioned or other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A goal apparatus may have a frame and first and second flexible goalpost members and a flexible crossbar member releasably connectable tothe frame.

A goal apparatus includes: a frame, and a first and second pliablegoalpost members, and a cross member, such a pliable crossbar. The framemay have first and second lower net connection points and first andsecond upper net connection points. The frame is configured to: supporta net in tension between lower and upper net connection points. Thefeatures described may be combined with in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a goal apparatus, assembled for use;

FIG. 2 shows the frame of the goal apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the fame of FIGS. 1 and 2 in further detail;

FIG. 4 shows the net of the goal apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows the frame and net of the goal apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows the goal apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a corner of the net of the goal apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows a bag to facilitate manual transportation of the goalapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows an additional net;

FIG. 10 shows a corner member of the frame of FIG. 2 in further detail;

FIGS. 11a and 11b show a further embodiment of the goal apparatus,partially assembled;

FIGS. 12a and 12b show the embodiment of the goal apparatus of FIGS. 11aand 11b in an assembled configuration; and

FIGS. 13a to 13d show an alternative embodiment of a corner member.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an alternative goal apparatussimilar to the design shown in FIGS. 1-10 and further including a nethaving upper rear corners and corner poles supporting the net corners.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the net corner and corner pole of FIG.14.

FIG. 16 is a front and right side perspective view of the frame of thegoal apparatus shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another alternative goalapparatus similar to the goal apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-10 and furtherincluding a rear rebound net.

FIG. 18 shows a top, back and left side perspective view of the frameshown in FIG. 17.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1

FIG. 1 shows a goal apparatus 101. According to the illustratedembodiment, the goal apparatus is configured for use as a football goal.The goal apparatus 101 is configured to be portable and is intended toimitate a similar type of goal that is permanently installed. Thus, thegoal apparatus 101 functions to provide a goal that realisticallyreflects the aesthetics and functionality of a permanent goal of anequivalent type.

The goal apparatus 101 comprises a frame 102 and a net 103 that isreleasably connectable to the frame 102. When erected as shown, the net103 presents a goal mouth 104. A first goal mouth perimeter edge 105extends substantially parallel to a second goal mouth perimeter edge 106and a third goal mouth perimeter edge 107 extends substantiallyperpendicularly to the first and second goal mouth perimeter edges 105,106. When the goal apparatus 101 is rested on substantially levelground, as shown, the third goal mouth perimeter edge 106 extendssubstantially parallel to the lie of the ground. Thus, the goal mouth104 is substantially rectangular. In addition, the goal mouth 104 isoriented substantially perpendicular to the ground. Thus, when the goalapparatus 101 is resting on substantially horizontal ground, the goalmouth 104 is substantially vertical.

When the frame 102 and the net 103 are connected as shown, the frame 102is in compression and is arranged to support the first, second and thirdgoal mouth perimeter edges 105, 106, 107 in tension.

FIG. 2

Frame 102 of goal apparatus 101 is shown in further detail in FIG. 2.

Frame 102 presents a first lower net connection point 201, a first uppernet connection point 202, a second lower net connection point 203 and asecond upper connection point 204. When the frame 102 is erected asshown, the first lower and upper net connection points 201, 202 arespaced apart vertically. Similarly, the second lower and upper netconnection points 203, 204 are spaced apart vertically. The first lowerand upper net connection points 201, 202 are spaced apart laterally fromthe second lower and upper net connection points 203, 204.

As described in further detail below, frame 102 is configured to supporta first pliable goalpost member in tension, a second pliable goalpostmember in tension and a third pliable crossbar member in tension. Thefirst pliable goalpost member is configured to be supported in tensionbetween the first lower and upper net connection points 201, 202.Similarly, the second pliable goalpost member is configured to besupported in tension between the second lower and upper connectionpoints 203, 204. The third pliable crossbar member is configured to besupported in tension between the first and second upper net connectionpoints 202, 204.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the frame 102 comprises a basemember 205 for resting on a support surface, a first post member 206 anda second post member 207 spaced apart laterally from the first postmember 206. The first and second post members 206, 207 are connected tothe base member 205. The base member 205 comprises an elongate rear basemember 208, and when the frame 102 is at rest, the rear base member 208presents a curvature.

The base member 205 presents the first and second lower net connectionpoints 201, 203, whist the first and second post members 206, 207present the first and second upper net connection points 202, 204respectively. The first and second upper net connection points 202, 204of the frame 102 are normally biased apart laterally from a positionrelative to each other at which the elongate rear base member 208 isplaced in compression. In addition, the first and second upper netconnection points 202, 204 of the frame 102 are normally biased apartvertically from a position relative to the base member 205 at which thefirst and second post members 206, 207 are placed in compression. Thus,the first and second upper connection points 202, 203 are normallybiased apart from a position at which the frame 102 is placed incompression.

According to the illustrated frame, the frame 102 is arranged to beplaced in compression by manual reconfiguration of the first and secondpost members 206, 207 relative to the base member 205. The first andsecond post members 206, 207 are each arranged for the upper netconnection point thereof to be brought inwardly towards the other, asindicated by arrows 209 and 210, such that the curvature of the elongaterear base member 208 is removed. In a specific embodiment, the frame 102is arranged such that the curvature of the elongate rear member 208 isremoved when the first and second side post members 206, 207 are angledsubstantially perpendicularly to the elongate rear member 201. The firstand second post members 206, 207 are each arranged for the upper netconnection point thereof to be brought downwardly towards the basemember 205, as indicated by arrows 211 and 212, such that each presentsa curvature.

The frame 102 is arranged to be brought into compression duringconnection of a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpostmember and third pliable crossbar member, and thereafter to hold thepliable goal opening in tension.

FIG. 3

Frame 102 is shown in further detail in FIG. 3. In addition to theelongate rear base member 208, the base member 205 comprises a firstside base member 201, a second base member 302, a first corner member303, and a second corner member 304. The first and second corner members303, 304 are each arranged to receive an end of the elongate rear basemember 203 and an end of a side base member 301, 302 such that the firstand second side base members 301, 302 extend in a forward direction,indicated by arrow 305, from the elongate rear base member 208, Thefirst and second corner members 303, 304 are each also arranged toreceive an end of a side post member 206, 207.

Elongate rear base member 208 comprises a plurality of polar members,such as polar member 306, which are arranged to be releasableconnectable. Herein, the term ‘polar’ is used to express the pole-likeor tube-like nature of the members. In the shown example, the elongaterear base member 208 comprises four (4) polar members. However, inalternative embodiments, the elongate rear base member 208 may comprisea greater or lesser number of component members. In a specificembodiment, the elongate rear base member is fabricated at leastpartially from steel.

Each of the first and second side base members 301, 302 comprise aunitary polar member. However, in alternative embodiments, each of thefirst and second side base members 301, 302 may comprise a plurality ofcomponent members. In a specific embodiment, the first and second sidebase members are fabricated at least partially from steel.

The first and second post members 206, 207 each comprise a lower polarmember, such as lower polar member 307 of first post member 206, and anupper polar member, such as upper polar member 308 of first post member206. The lower polar members comprise a plurality of polar members, suchas polar member 309 of lower polar member 307, which are arranged to bereleasably connectable. Lower polar member 307 comprises two (2) polarmembers. However, in alternative embodiments, the lower polar membersmay comprise a unitary polar member or may comprise a greater number ofcomponent members. In a specific embodiment, the lower polar members arefabricated at least partially from steel. Similarly the upper polarmembers comprise a plurality of polar members, such as polar members 310of upper polar member 308, which are arranged to be releasablyconnectable. In the shown example, the upper polar member 308 comprisestwo (2) polar members. However, in alternative embodiments, the lowerpolar members may comprise a unitary polar member or may comprise agreater number of component members. In a specific embodiment, the lowerpolar members are fabricated at least partially from fiberglass. In theshown example, the upper polar member of a side post member is arrangedto be releasably connected to the lower polar member of a side postmember by means on an intermediate connector member, such asintermediate connector member 311 of first post member 206.

In one embodiment, the first and second post members 206, 207 are formedfrom a telescopic pole having a lower member made of steel and an uppermember made of fiberglass. In general, the post members 206, 207 may beformed from a lower rigid portion, which may comprise a plurality ofrigid members and an upper resilient member, which may comprise a numberof resilient members. However, it is not beyond the scope of the presentinvention the form the first and second post members 206, 207 fromresilient materials.

In a specific embodiment, the intermediate connector member isfabricated at least partially from nylon or ABS(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). In alternative embodiments, the upperpolar member of a side post member may be arranged to be directlyreleasably connectable to the lower polar member of the side postmember.

Component polar members of a part of the frame 102 may be linkedtogether in a linear arrangement that allows that part to be collapseddown such that the polar members thereof are in a folded arrangement.The polar members may therefore be linked together by a cord, forexample a shock cord, in a similar manner to that used in the field oftern poles. Thus, for example, the polar members of the rear elongatebase member 208 may be connected in this way. The polar members may anyselected desired cross-sectional shape, for example a substantiallycircular or rectangular shape.

In a specific embodiment, the corner members are fabricated at leastpartially from nylon or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).

Coloration and/or graphical indicia may be used upon the frame 102, tofacilitate assembly, for example by providing an indication of aparticular type of component, orientation of a particular component orthe position of a component in a sequence of assembly.

To assemble the frame 102, the elongate rear base member 208, the firstand second corner members 303, 304 and the first and second side basemembers 301, 302 are connected as described to form the base frame 205.The first and second post members 206, 207 are then connected to thefirst and second corner members 303, 304 to complete the frame 102.

Once assembled, the frame is configured to be placed in compression tosupport first, second and third pliable goal members in tension.

FIG. 4

An exploded view of net 103 of the goal apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown inFIG. 4. As previously described, the goal apparatus is configured toprovide a goal mouth having a first perimeter edge that extendssubstantially parallel to a second perimeter edge, and a third perimeteredge that extends substantially perpendicularly to the first and secondperimeter edges. The first perimeter edge is provided by a first pliablegoalpost member, the second perimeter edge is provided by a secondpliable goalpost member, and the third perimeter edge is provided by apliable crossbar member. Herein, the term ‘pliable’ is used to expressthe flexible, supple, collapsible nature of the members.

Net 103 comprises a first goalpost edge 401, a second goalpost edge 402and a third crossbar edged 403 connected between the first and secondgoalpost edges 401, 402. Preferably, and in the shown example, net 103further comprises a first pliable goalpost element 404, a second pliablegoalpost element 405 and a pliable crossbar element 406. The firstpliable goalpost element 404 extends along the second goalpost edge 402and the pliable crossbar element

406 extends along the third crossbar edge 403. The first and secondpliable goalpost elements 404, 405 and the pliable crossbar element 406provide the first and second pliable goalpost members and the pliablecrossbar member of the goal apparatus respectively.

The first and second pliable goalpost elements 404, 405 and the pliablecrossbar element 406 are attached to the first, second and third edges401, 402, 403 of the net respectively. In addition, the crossbar element406 is attached to the first and second flexible goalpost elements 401,402.

In a specific embodiment, the net is fabricated substantially frompolyethylene and each of the flexible goalpost elements 404, 405 and theflexible crossbar element 406 are fabricated substantially from PVC(polyvinyl chloride), which may have a woven structure.

Net 103 is releasably connected to frame 102. To facilitate connection,net 103 comprises a first lower frame connection point 407, a firstupper frame connection point 408, a second lower connection point 409and a second upper frame connection point 410. In the illustratedembodiment, the first and second pliable goalpost elements 404, 405 andthe pliable crossbar element 406 collectively present the frameconnection points 407, 408, 409, 410. In particular, the first lowerframe connection point 407 is located towards the free end of the firstgoalpost element 404 and the second lower frame connection point 409 islocated towards the free end of the second goalpost element 405. Thefirst upper frame connection point 408 is located at the corner of thefirst goalpost element 404 and the crossbar element 406 and the secondupper frame connection point 410 is located at the corner of the secondgoalpost element 405 and the crossbar element 406. Thus, when the net103 is spread out as shown, the first lower and upper frame connectionpoints 407, 408 are spaced apart vertically. Similarly, the second lowerand upper frame connection points 409, 410 are spaced apart vertically.The first lower and upper frame connection points 407, 408 are spacedapart laterally from the second lower and upper frame connection points409, 410.

The first lower and upper frame connection points 407, 408 of the net103 are configured to engage with the first lower and upper netconnection points of the frame respectively. Similarly, the second lowerand upper frame connection points 409, 410 of the net 103 configured toengaged with the second lower and upper net connection points of theframe respectively.

In the shown example, the goalpost elements 404, 405 and the flexiblecrossbar 406 each have a front face, indicated by arrow 411, and a rearface, indicated by arrow 412. In a specific embodiment, at least one ofthe pliable goalpost members and the pliable crossbar member includes acoloration or a graphical indicia, such as a word or symbol, to indicateat least one of the front face and the rear face thereof. This featureserves to facilitate user identification of the correct orientation ofthe net in preparation for attaching the net to the frame.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second goalpost edges 401,402 and the crossbar edge 403 of the net 103 itself provide the firstand second pliable goalpost members and the pliable crossbar member ofthe goal apparatus respectively. In a further alternative embodiment,the first and second goalpost elements 404, 405 and the crossbar element406 are provided separately, either as discrete elements or as aconnected arrangements, and provide the first and second pliablegoalpost members and the pliable crossbar member of the goal apparatusrespectively.

FIG. 5

FIG. 5 illustrates assembled frame 102 and net 103.

The frame connection points 201 to 204 of the net 103 are connected tothe corresponding net connection points 407 to 410 of the frame 102. Theupper net connection points 202, 204 of the frame 102 are configuredinto a relative position at which the distance between the upper netconnection points is equal to or less than the distance between theupper frame connection points 408, 410 of the net 103. In addition, thefirst lower and upper net connection points 201, 202 of the frame 102are configured into a relative position at which the distance betweenthe first lower and upper net connection points is equal to or less thanthe distance between the first lower and upper connection points 407,408 of the net 103. Similarly, the second lower and upper net connectionpoints 203, 204 of the frame 102 are configured into a relative positionat which the distance between the second lower and upper net connectionpoints is equal to or less than the distance between the second lowerand upper frame connection points 409, 410 of the net 103.

In the specific embodiment, the relative positions between netconnection points can be achieved by manipulating each side member 206,207 to move the respective upper net connection point inwardly andsideways towards the other upper net connection point and also forwardlyand downwards towards the respective lower net connection point. In aspecific embodiment, the first and second side base members 301, 302 arealso arranged to be moved from the at rest position when the net isconnected to the frame.

The upper frame connection points 408, 410 of the net 103 may beconnected to the upper net connection points 202, 204 of the frame 102before the lower frame connection points 407, 409 are connected to thelower net connection points 201, 203. Alternatively, the upper and lowerframe connection points of one side of the net 103 may be connected tothe upper and lower net connection points of the other side of the net103 are connected to the net connection points of the other side of theframe 102.

In a specific embodiment, each of the first and second upper netconnection points 202, 204 comprises an open end 501 of each of thefirst and second post members 206, 207 respectively. Each of the firstand second upper frame connection points 408, 410 comprises a pin 502configured to be received within the open end 501 of each of the firstand second side post members 206, 207 respectively of the frame 102.

In a specific embodiment, each of said first and second lower netconnection points 201, 203 of the frame 102 comprises a projection 503.Each of said first and second lower frame connection points 407, 409 ofthe net 103 defines an aperture 504, for example provided by an eyeletmember, configured to be hooked over the projection 503 of the first andsecond lower net connection points 201, 203.

When the net 103 is connection to the frame 102 as described, the net103 is held in tension by the frame 102.

FIG. 6

The goal apparatus 101 of FIG. 1 is also shown in FIG. 6.

When the goal apparatus 101 is assembled as described, the net 103presents a goal mouth 104 having substantially square corners 601.

It can be seen that the net 103 provides a rear wall 602 disposedbetween a first side wall 603 and a second side wall 604. Thus, the net103 presents an enclosure from which a ball, such as football 605, iseasily retrievable once it has through the goal mouth 04.

Net 103 comprises a plurality of additional attachment devices 606configured to extend around the frame 102, in particular one of thefirst and second post members 206, 207 and the elongated rear basemember 203. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of additionalattachment devices comprises a plurality of hook and loop devices.

In a specific embodiment, the plurality of attachment devices allow adegree of movement of the net 103 relative to the frame 102 when theplurality of additional attachment devices are in use.

Preferably, an additional degree of tension is imparted into the pliablecrossbar element 406 of the net 103 when the additional attachmentdevices are in use.

The portable goal apparatus 101 may further include securing means tosecure the assembly to a supporting surface. The goal assembly may besecured to the ground by means of hooks, stakes or hoops, for examplehoop 607. Alternatively, on more solid ground or where insertingsecuring means into the ground is not favorable, the portable goalapparatus 101 may be held down by the use of weights, such as sandbags,for example.

FIG. 7

FIG. 7 shows net 103, at the corner of pliable goalpost member 404 andpliable crossbar member 406.

In a specific embodiment, the rear face 412 of each of the pliablegoalpost elements 404, 405 (not shown) and the pliable crossbar element406 is attached to an edge 401, 402 (not shown) 403 of the net 103respectively at discrete attachment locations, such as location 701. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the attachment locations comprise tabs, suchas tab 702, and the net edges are secured to the pliable goalpostelements and pliable crossbar element through the tabs, whereby a degreeof movement of the net edges relative to the pliable goal elements isallowed.

Preferably, the outermost attachment locations along at least thepliable crossbar element 406 such as locations 703, secure thecorresponding net edge(s) at points more radially outwardly displacedfrom the center of the net 103 when spread out, than the intermediateattachment locations. p FIG. 8

As shown in FIG. 8, the goal apparatus of the present applicationpreferably comprises a bag 801 to facilitate manual transportation ofthe portable goal apparatus by a user 802. The bag 801 may comprise afirst compartment 803 for receiving a frame and a second compartment 804for receiving a net or pliable goal elements to prevent tangling of theframe with the net or pliable goal elements. The bag 801 may include atleast one carry handle 805 that is configured to be gripped in a hand806 of a user, and may include a releasable shoulder strap 807.

The bag may have a square, rectangular or circular section. In aspecific embodiment, a bag is provided having a length dimension ofapproximately 80 cm and a maximum width dimension of approximately 20cm. The bag may be fabricated at least partially from nylon, and may bewaterproof. Preferably the bag has a closure arrangement. A closure mayfor example comprise one of a zip closure, a drawstring closure or hookand loop closure.

The portable goal apparatus of the present application is preferablyconfigured to be assembled by a single person, but may be configured tobe assembled by a single adult but a plurality of adolescents.

FIG. 9

FIG. 9 illustrates an additional net 901. Net 901 is releasablyconnectable to frame 102. The additional net 901 has frame connectionpoints 902 to 905 allowing it to be connected to net connection points201 and 204. Net 901 defines at least one aperture 906 for allowing aball to pass there through. Hence, the additional net 901 may be usedfor target practice.

The goal apparatus 101 is arranged to allow net 901 to be attached tothe frame 102 forward of net 103. Alternatively, net 901 may be attachedto the frame 102 absent net 103.

In a specific embodiment, net 901 includes similar pliable goal membersand frame connection means as described with reference to net 103. Thenet 901 is also configured to be held in tension by the frame 102 in asimilar manner as that described with reference to net 103.

FIG. 10

A corner member of frame 102 is shown in further detail in FIG. 10.Corner member 303 comprises a first projection 1001, a second projection1002 and a third projection 1003.

FIG. 10 also shows X, Y and Z axes having an origin 1004 towards thecentral region of the corner member from which the first, second andthird projections 1001, 1002, 1003 extend. The relative angles betweenthe first, second and third projections 1001, 1002, 1003 can be selectedsuch that when used as part of frame 102, the corner member 303 assistsin placing the frame of the goal apparatus in compression. According tothe illustrated embodiment, the first projection 1001 makes an interiorangle of ninety-four (94) degrees with the second projection 1002. Thesecond projection 1002 makes an interior angle of eighty-two (82)degrees with the third projection 1003. The third projection 1003 makesan interior angle of one hundred and six (106) degrees with the firstprojection 1001. These relative angles are mirrored for the other cornermember 304.

Alternatively, corner members may be provided having projections withdifferent angles to those stated above. For example, the angles may beas follows: the first projection 1001 may make an interior angle ofbetween about 90 and 100 degrees with the second projection 1002. Thesecond projection 1002 may make an interior angle of between about 75 to85 degrees with the third projection 1003. The third projection 1003 maymake an interior angle of between about 100 and 110 degrees with thefirst projection 1001. An example of an alternative corner member havingdifferent angles to those described in relation to FIG. 10 is describedin relation to FIGS. 13a to 13 d, hereunder.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the angles may bevaried to suit the flexibility of the materials of the frame members.For example, if the frame member is formed from a particularly flexiblematerial, then a greater angle may be provided such that the side framemembers face further outward (relative to each other) at the basethereof.

The degree of compression into which the frame is placed when connectedto the pliable goal members of the goal apparatus may be varied byvarying the relative angles between the first, second and thirdprojections of the corner members.

FIGS. 11a and 11b

Referring now to FIGS. 11a and 11b there is provided a furtherembodiment of a goal apparatus 1101 in a partially assembledconfiguration. The apparatus 1101 comprises a frame 1102 having fiveelongate frame members 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112 being a rear framemember 1104, two generally upwardly extending side frame members 1106,1108 and two forwardly extending side frame members 1110, 1112. Theframe members 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112 are connected together toform the frame apparatus 1101 via corner members 1114, 1116.

As shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b , the frame apparatus is only partiallyassembled in that there is no net attached thereto. In thisconfiguration it is clear to see that the rear frame member 1104 standsabove the lower extent of the corner members 1114, 1116 and thus therear frame member 1104 does not touch the ground in this partiallyassembled configuration. p FIGS. 12a and 12b

Referring now to FIGS. 12a and 12b there is shown the embodiment of thegoal apparatus 1101 as shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b , but in an assembledconfiguration. The apparatus 1101 comprises a crossbar 1120 and postsmembers 1122, 1124, all being formed from a pliable material, in thisinstance, a cloth material. For ease of understanding of the figures,the net is not shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b , however a net would normallybe present. As can be seen in FIGS. 12a and 12 b, in this embodiment,the rear frame member 1104 bows downward when the frame is assembled toassist in absorbing the compression of the side frame members 1106,1108.

The side frame members 1106, 1108 are formed from a two partconstruction having a lower, rigid part 1106 a, 1108 a and an upperresilient part 1106 b, 1108 b. This construction ensures that the lowerpart of the frame members extend sufficiently outwardly, before theresilient parts 1106 b, 1108 b bend inward under tension to attach tothe crossbar and posts.

FIGS. 13a to 13d

FIGS. 13a to 13d show different projections of an alternative cornermember 1210. For ease of reference, the projections of the corner member1210 have been assigned numerals that correspond with like parts of thecorner member 1001, but prefixed with “12” instead of “10”.

FIGS. 13a and 13c shows opposite side elevations along the Y and Z axes,FIG. 13b shows a front elevation along the X and Y axes, while FIG. 13dshows a plan elevation along the X and Z axes.

As shown in FIGS. 13a to 13 d, the projection 1201 makes an internalangle of 94 degrees with the projection 1202. The second projection 1202makes an internal angle of 77 degrees with the projection 120. The firstprojection 1201 makes an internal angle of 105 with the projection 1203.

FIGS. 14-16 show another embodiment 220 which may be similar to thedesign shown in FIGS. 1-6 except as further described below. The goalapparatus 220 has a frame 222 including a rear base 248. The goalapparatus may be symmetrical about its left-right centerline, with onlythe left side described at times, and the understanding that the rightside may be the same as the left side.

As shown in FIG. 16 the rear base 248 may have left and right innertubes 250 pivotally attached to a center hinge 256, with each inner tube250 joined to an outer tube 252. The inner and outer tubes may betelescopically or pivotally attached to each other. The outer end ofeach outer tube 252 is connected to or inserted into a corner fitting304, The tubes forming the rear base 256 may be curved or angled so thatthe center hinge 256 is 1-10 or 2-8 centimeters up off of the groundwhen the goal apparatus is unfolded and set up as shown in FIG. 14. Theframe 222 may be dismantled for storage and transport by removing theside members 260 and the posts 206 from the corner fittings 304. Therear base 248 may be folded by sliding the outer tube 252 into or overthe inner tube 250, if they are telescopically attached, or folding theouter tube 252 inward over or alongside of the inner tube, on each side.The inner tube is then folded inwardly on the center hinge 256, on eachside. Consequently the rear base 248, when folded, may only be nominallylonger than the longer of the inner and outer tubes. Alternatively, theframe 222 may be the same as the frame 102 described above.

The side members 260 may be weighted to make the goal apparatus 220 morestable, by using solid metal (e.g., steel) rods for the side members,rather than hollow tubes. End plates 262 or other separate weightelements may alternatively be attached (removably or permanently) to thefront end of each side member 260. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, theframe 222 includes left and right post members 206 and 207, each havinga lower section 227 attached to a fitting 304, and an upper section 228attached to, or part of, the lower section 227. The lower section 227may be rigid while the upper section 228 is flexible. Alternatively,both may be flexible, as either a one or a two piece unit.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, goal apparatus 220 may use a net 236similar to the net 103 but further including left and right side upperrear corners 238. The frame 222 includes left and right flexible cornerpoles 232 each having a lower end attached to the left and right postmembers, and an upper end attached to the left and right net rearcorners 238, respectively. The lower end of each corner pole 232 may beattached to an upper end of the lower section 227 of the post member,and the lower section 227 may be rigid. A corner loop or strap 240 ateach upper rear corner of the net 236 pole may fit around or through anend fitting 242 on top of each corner pole 232. As shown in FIG. 15, theframe 222 is dimensioned so that the corner poles 232 are flexed toexert pulling force on the net corners 236. The frame consequently mayhold the net 236 into a rectangular shape having a generally flat back,top and sides. The goal apparatus 220 consequently has a configurationsimilar to a standard soccer (football) goal. The frame 222 mayoptionally also be used with the net 103 shown in FIGS. 1-6, which maynot have net corners 236, with the corner poles 232 holding the net 103in a more approximate rectangular shape. In designs using corner poles232, the attachment devices 606 may optionally be omitted.

FIGS. 17 and 18 shown another design 270 which may be similar to thegoal apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-7 and further including a rebound net278. The frame of the goal apparatus 270 includes left and right backmembers or tubes 272, which may be rear extensions of the side members302. Alternatively, they may be separate components attached to afour-way fitting 274. Back posts 276 extend up from the back members272, with the rebound net 278 attached to the back posts 276. Therebound net 278 may be rectangular, having a width, 2-10 or 4-6 timesgreater than its height. The side posts 206 and 207 may be 1.5 to 5 or2-3 times taller than back posts 276. A typical goal apparatus 270 (or220) may have a width of 2.5-7.3 or 4-6 meters. In either goalapparatus, the frame may optionally be designed so that the back panelof the net is oriented at an obtuse angle to the top panel of the net,and the side panels of the net are triangular with a truncated or flattop.

A goal apparatus formed in accordance with the present invention has theadvantage that it is formed from very few non-pliable parts, thusallowing it to be stored easily and into a small, light configuration.The provision of first and second upper net connection points of theframe are biased apart laterally from a position relative to each otherresults in an apparatus that does not require any solid crossbar or postmembers and the frame is not situated inside the net, thus not impedingthe goal enclosure.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps ofany method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,except combinations where at least some of such features and/or stepsare mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative featuresserving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly staled otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

1. A goal assembly comprising: left and right side members attached to arear base member; left and right posts attached at opposite sides of therear base member, with the left and right posts each having a flexiblesection; left and right net corner poles supported on the base; a netattached to the frame, with the net having a left edge joined to a topedge at a left net corner, and a right edge joined to the top edge at aright net corner, with the left flexible post attached to the left netcorner, and the right flexible post attached to the right net corner,and with the left and right net corner poles attached to the net at leftand right positions behind the left and right net corners, respectively;the left and right flexible posts each held into a flexed position bythe net, with the left flexible post tensioning the left edge of thenet, the right flexible post tensioning the right edge of the net, andthe top edge tensioned via the left and right flexible posts pullingaway from each other.
 2. The goal apparatus of claim 1 with a lower endof left and right net corner poles attached to the left and right posts,and with the net having left and right rear net corners releasablyattached to an upper end of left and right corner posts, respectively.3. The goal apparatus of claim 1 with each of the left and right postshaving a rigid lower section attached to the rear base member, and withthe left and right net corner poles attached to an upper end of therigid lower section of the left and right posts, respectively.
 4. Thegoal apparatus of claim 1 wherein the left and right net corner polesare flexible.
 5. The goal apparatus of claim 4 including a left fittingat a top end of the left net corner pole attached to a left loop on thenet, and a right fitting at a top end of the right net corner poleattached to a right loop on the net, with the left and right loopsmanually detachable from the left and right fittings, respectively.
 6. Agoal apparatus, comprising: a frame including: left and right flexibleposts; left and right side members; and a base member; a left fittingattaching a left end of the base member to the left side member; a rightfitting attaching a right end of the base member to the right sidemember; the left post having a flexible upper section and a rigid lowersection, with a lower end the left flexible post attached to the leftfitting; the right post having a flexible upper section and a rigidlower section, with a lower end the right flexible post attached to theright fitting; a left net corner pole attached to the rigid lowersection of the left post; a right net corner pole attached to the rigidlower section of the right post; and a net including: a lower leftcorner attached to the front end of the left side member; a lower rightcorner attached to the front end of the right side member; an upper leftfront corner attached to an upper end of the left flexible post; anupper right front corner attached to an upper end of the right flexiblepost; an upper left rear corner attached to an upper end of the left netcorner pole; an upper right rear corner attached to an upper end of theright net corner pole; and the upper ends of the left and right sideflexible posts biased away from each other to maintain tension in anupper edge of the net, and also biased upwardly to maintain tension inleft and right side edges of the net and with the upper left and rightcorners of the net in front of the left and right fittings,respectively.
 7. The goal apparatus of claim 6 with the left and rightnet corner poles attached to the left and right posts, respectively. 8.The goal apparatus of claim 6 with each of the left and right postshaving a rigid lower section attached to the rear base member, and withthe left and right net corner poles attached to an upper end of therigid lower section of the left and right posts, respectively.
 9. Thegoal apparatus of claim 6 wherein the left and right net corner polesare flexible.
 10. The goal apparatus of claim 6 including a left fittingat a top end of the left net corner pole attached to a left loop on thenet, and a right fitting at a top end of the right net corner poleattached to a right loop on the net.
 11. The goal apparatus of claim 6wherein the left and right fittings comprise corner fittings attached toa back end of the left and right side members, with each fitting havingreceptacles oriented on a lateral axis, a longitudinal axis and on avertical axis, and with the lateral axis substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis, and with the vertical axis at an obtuse angle tothe lateral axis
 12. The goal apparatus of claim 6 with the net havingflexible left edge, right edge and top edge strips and with the upperends of left and right flexible posts exerting spring force up and awayfrom each other, tensioning the left edge, right edge and top edgestrips of the net.
 13. The goal apparatus of claim 6 with the net heldup by the frame only with left and right flexible posts.
 14. The goalapparatus of claim 6 wherein the rear base member is rigid.
 15. A goalassembly comprising: left and right front members attached to a basemember; left and right rear members attached to the base member; leftand right rear posts attached to the left and right rear members,respectively; left and right posts attached to the base member, with theleft and right posts each having a flexible section; a goal net attachedto the frame, with the net having left, right and top edges and left andright upper rear net corners, with the left edge extending from theframe to the left flexible post, the right edge extending from the frameand to the right flexible post, and the top edge extending between theleft and right flexible posts, and with the left and right upper rearnet corners attached to the left and right net corner poles,respectively; the left and right flexible posts each held into a flexedposition by the net, with the left flexible post tensioning the leftedge of the net, the right flexible post tensioning the right edge ofthe net, and the top edge tensioned via the left and right flexibleposts pulling away from each other; and a rebound net attached to theleft and right rear posts.
 16. The goal apparatus of claim 15 with thegoal net held up vertically on the frame only by the left and rightflexible posts.
 17. The goal apparatus of claim 15 with the left andright flexible posts taller than the left and right rear posts,respectively.
 18. The goal apparatus of claim 15 wherein the left andright rear posts are rigid.
 19. The goal apparatus of claim 18 whereinthe left and right rear members are aligned with the left and rightfront members, respectively.